Suffolk Legislature, LIA slam MTA deal

State Sen. Brian Foley, you're a marked man.
One day after he emerged from a meeting with Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith in favor of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority bailout, the Suffolk County Legislature and the Long Island Association, to name two, are out in force - slamming the proposed deal.
First up, LIA President Matt Crosson:
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We desperately need people to come up with better ideas about regional/local planning and transit or we will face the same situation again. Questions to ponder:

— How can we develop a vibrant economy on Long Island if all the goods and services we receive and produce must be funneled through NYC? (Hint: link to Connecticut via SOB Bridge/Tunnel)

— How can we develop a transit system that better serves Long Island? (Hint: light rail/trolley systems that link villages and main rail lines).

— Why shouldn’t we move forward on the Lighthouse Project?

We need to declare independence from the MTA and New York City and really think seriously about what we want Long Island to look like in the next 20 years. Do we want to be a collection of overtaxed bedroom communities or a linked alliance of business clusters that have the necessary institutions and infrastructure in place to attract top talent and businesses?

Native NY’r and lived on LI most of my adult life. Its obvious NY region is going in the dumper, taxes are KILLING ability to live on LI. Some friends and work associates have MOVED off of LI, just can’t take it anymore. My family is next.. WE can’t take anymore. And oh btw, Foley was our supervisor in Brookhaven ( crookhaven ) he left to go to state level. His office power was weakened by the fighting that took place on the town board (similar **** in Albany..its about power not whats good for the taxpayer)… now hes at state level.. good luck.
Anyway we are outa here.. bye bye NY